LIVING WITH DIGNITY

After the end of World War 2 many Ukrainians in displaced persons camps made their way to Canada. They established themselves economically and raised their children in the vibrant and dynamic cultural communities they formed.

Living with Dignity Information Sessions

This wave of immigrants is now in their eighties and nineties and their baby boomer children are also becoming seniors and retiring in large numbers. They are representative of the demographic shift that is taking place in Canada. By 2021 Canadians over 65 will be 17.8% of the total population and Ukrainian Canadians will be a part of that population.

Ukrainian Canadian Social Services-Toronto

What does the aging population mean for us? While government services and programs are in place other types of support will be needed. The most important factor will be that seniors feel empowered to lead healthy, independent lives.

Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Toronto Branch (UCSS-T) is embarking on an exciting project called “Living with Dignity”. This project will offer information sessions for Ukrainian Canadian Seniors in the GTA and surrounding areas. A wide range of topics will provide participants many opportunities to gain knowledge and access information to assist them to live a better quality of life with dignity. Knowledge and learning are key in promoting healthy aging and active lifestyles. Participants will gain an understanding of how to access available programs and services and how to improve personal and financial security.

The following information sessions will be offered by qualified professionals and will be held in a variety of venues across the GTA:
o Changes Associated with Aging
o Maintaining an Active Lifestyle
o Psychological Health
o Chronic Disease Management
o Diabetes
o Legal and Financial Challenges
o Wills and Estate Planning
o Government Programs and Services for Seniors:
Pensions, In-Home Care, Assisted Living, Long Term Care
o Health and Safety Risk Factor Reduction
o Alzheimer and Other Dementias
o Palliative Care

First Information Session took place on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church. The lawyer Bohdan Bodnaruk spoke about Legal and Financial Challenges for Seniors.